South Africa's Mignon du Preez announces retirement from longer formats
South Africa women's cricketer Mignon du Preez has announced her retirement from ODIs and Test cricket. However, du Preez will be available for T20Is. du Preez revealed in a statement that she wants to prioritize time with her family and perhaps start one of her own soon. The talented cricketer went on to represent SA Women in four ICC World Cup events.
Highest scorer for SA in ODIs
du Preez played 154 ODIs for South Africa, scoring 3,760 runs at an average of 32.98. She slammed two tons and 18 fifties with the best score of 116*. Notably, she is the top run-scorer for SA Women in ODI cricket. She is one of the two batters to amass 3,000 runs in ODIs for SA alongside Lizelle Lee (3,315).
Second-highest scorer for SA Women in 50-over World Cup
du Preez slammed 542 runs for SA Women in the World Cup (50 overs). She has averaged 27.10 with the highest score of 76*. She slammed two fifties. Notably, she is the second-highest scorer for SA in the Women's World Cup after Laura Wolvaardt (757).
Her performance in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022
The 32-year old senior cricketer last played in the recently concluded ICC Women's World Cup 2022. She helped South Africa reach the semi-finals. Having played eight matches in the tournament, du Preez scored 161 runs, including a half-century against India in a crunch league clash. She averaged 26.83 with the best score of 52*.
du Preez announces a statement
du Preez announced a statement via social media, saying she is fortunate to play four World Cups. "I've been wonderfully fortunate to play in four ICC ODI World Cups to date," the statement read. "These have been some of my most treasured memories in life. I would however love to prioritise time with my family, and hopefully start a family of my own soon."
Right time to announce retirement, says du Preez
du Preez also said this was the right time to announce her retirement from the longer format. "I feel the time is right to announce my retirement from the longer format of the game and focus my attention on T20 cricket going forward. Thus, I decided to retire from ODI cricket at the completion of our recent World Cup in New Zealand," she said.
A look at her T20I career
du Preez has managed 1,750 runs at an average of 21.60. She has hammered seven fifties with the best of 69. She has hit 173 fours and 20 sixes at a strike rate of 100.86. She is the third-highest scorer for SA Women in T20Is.
